22-04-2025
Bipartisan federal bill seeks to boost support for smaller police forces
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — A bipartisan Congressional bill could mean more support for police departments here at home.
The Invest to Protect Act of 2025 (H.R. 2177) would create a dedicated fund for small and medium-sized police departments with fewer than 175 officers. They can use the money to recruit, train and retain police officers. Funds can also be used to invest in officers' mental health.
'It is an investment by the federal government to protect our law enforcement,' said Rep. Eric Sorensen (D-Ill.). 'The job of police officers and law enforcement officers is going to change and we have to make sure that we're ahead of the curve.'
Sorensen, who helped introduce the bill in early April, said it's something everyone can get behind.
'I really don't think that's a partisan issue. I don't think that's a left or a right issue. If anything, I think this is one of those issues that can help bring us back together because the politics of hate and division, it is on full display these days, and this is one of those cases and one of those bills in Congress that can help us get through that,' he said.
The bill indicates the cap would be $50 million per fiscal year from 2017 to 2031.
Right now, the bill is in the House Judiciary Committee. The Senate version of the bill, S.B. 768, was introduced in February.
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